In July of 2016, StraitsTimes.com reported the case of a 49-year-old man who was caught while taking upskirt photos of a woman. While such incidents may seem fairly harmless on the surface, they can indicate deeper issues of voyeurism and obsession. For the victim, the occurrence can trigger anxiety and panic attacks.

The Incident at the Jem Mall

The woman was wearing a blue dress, riding an escalator at the Jem mall in Jurong East. The man was trying to conceal his actions by concealing his phone in a magazine while he took the pictures from a vantage point behind and below the woman. A couple of passersby noticed what the perpetrator was doing, called for him to stop, and chased after him when he fled. After they caught the man, they held him down for fifteen minutes until police arrived and took him into custody.

Such actions are considered an invasion of privacy and insulting to a woman’s modesty. In this case, police confirmed the man’s possession of obscene photos and arrested him pending an investigation. If the perpetrator is found guilty, he may face a fine or a jail sentence of up to 12 months.

The Motives for Upskirt Photography

Sometimes, upskirt videographers or photographers are young men or teens, simply doing it for a thrill or on a dare from friends. However, such actions may also indicate a mental disorder. A psychiatrist in Singapore explains that the act could be “part of a voyeuristic disorder where the offender frequently takes upskirt footage over a prolonged period.” The idea behind taking the photos or videos is to achieve sexual arousal, either during the photography session or later

The idea behind taking the photos or videos is to achieve sexual arousal, either during the photography session or later on, when the offender reviews the photos at home. In some cases, these photography sessions may progress to an obsession, and the perpetrator may take more aggressive action, stalking or harassing the victim.

The Consequences to the Victim

At first glance, it may seem that the act of “upskirting” is fairly harmless, resulting in no direct bodily harm to the woman. However, studies show that women who are the victims of upskirting often feel violated and targeted. They may feel nervous and jumpy when they are going about their normal business during the day, and they may be more suspicious of strange men nearby.If these heightened feelings of suspicion and anxiety continue for a few weeks or more, victims of an upskirt photographer should visit a counselor or psychiatrist in Singapore. During the consultation, a

If these heightened feelings of suspicion and anxiety continue for a few weeks or more, victims of an upskirt photographer should visit a psychologist or psychiatrist in Singapore. During the consultation, a mental health professional should be able to quickly identify whether or not the victim needs medication to help her cope with the post-traumatic stress caused by the incident.

The Underlying Mental Issues of the Perpetrator

Men who find themselves obsessed with taking upskirt photos should also consult with a mental health professional in Singapore. One particular psychiatrist in Singapore has a few patients every year who come to see him because they have taken upskirt videos or photos. According to the psychiatrist, the habit often begins with a pornography addiction that becomes stale for the user. To keep obtaining the same level of sexual stimulation, the user progresses to the taking of live-action upskirt images. With proper mental health care, men who struggle with this compulsion can find ways to channel and control these feelings so that they can avoid traumatising or harming anyone.

If you are struggling with an obsession or with feelings of anxiety, contact Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic. We’ll be happy to offer you a private consultation at our convenient location so that you can begin your journey back to complete mental health and wellness.